Amblyopia (commonly called lazy eye) is reduced vision in one eye (or both eyes) due to abnormal visual development during the first years of life, caused by different factors.

For this reason, regular eye check-ups in children are very important, as they allow early detection and treatment of possible causes that may interfere with normal visual development during childhood.

causas245x120causas245x120Causes

The causes of amblyopia or lazy eye include:

  • Refractive errors (hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism)
  • Strabismus
  • Corneal or lens opacity (congenital cataract), etc.

The earlier the problem is treated, the greater the chances of visual recovery. After a certain age, vision that has not been recovered can no longer be developed later.

sintomas245x120sintomas245x120Symptoms

Sometimes, the alterations are not entirely obvious. Therefore, in children, we should suspect a problem if they frequently rub their eyes, move too close or too far away when reading, tilt their head when focusing on something, squint one or both eyes, often complain of headaches, or have red eyes.

In other cases, we may notice it earlier if there is clear strabismus, marked photophobia (abnormal sensitivity to light), a whitish pupil, or if the child complains or cries when one eye is covered.

tratamientos245x120tratamientos245x120Treatment

Treatment is aimed at correcting the underlying cause of lazy eye through glasses, patching (occlusion therapy), penalization, or surgery.

Specialties:
  • Oftalmology